27-year department veteran had been interim chief since April 1

After a nearly three-month test drive, the city of Boulder has decided that 27-year department veteran Greg Testa is the right man to lead the Boulder police on a permanent basis.

Testa has been serving as the interim chief since Mark Beckner, who helmed the department for the previous 16 years, retired on April 1.

After vying for the top spot with three other internal department candidates, Testa on Monday was officially named chief of the Boulder Police Department.

"I'm proud to represent our department in the community," Testa said Monday afternoon, shortly after City Manager Jane Brautigam announced her decision to name him chief in a news release. "It's a great opportunity for us to continue to do great things as a police department."

Brautigam, in a prepared statement, said Testa was selected over fellow department veterans, Cmdrs. Curtis Johnson, Kurt Weiler and Cary Weinheimer, in part for his leadership, experience and "ability to guide the department with integrity."

Testa, 51, joined the Boulder police in 1987 after serving three years as a Northglenn police officer. Since then he has served as an officer, detective, sergeant, commander, SWAT commander and, most recently before his stint as interim chief, a deputy chief of the department overseeing the staff and support services division. In that role, he oversaw department communications, records, training, property and evidence, victims services, personnel and finance.

"The community had four excellent candidates and we have worked closely for many years together," Testa said of his fellow department leaders. "I believe that my career provided the right mix of law enforcement experience and organizational leadership."

Testa praised the work of his predecessor and longtime boss, Beckner, vowing to cary on his legacy of working closely with the community to provide responsive services and prevent and solve crime.

"I think we want to continue in the efforts that he led for so many years," Testa said. "My focus is going to be on engaging the community and working together in strong partnership."

Local public safety and law enforcement officials on Monday praised the city's decision.

Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, who worked for the Boulder police for 19 years, at one time was Testa's commander back when the new chief was a detective on the force. After calling Beckner "a rudder in choppy seas," at the time the former chief announced his retirement, Pelle on Monday called Testa "unflappable," and a man of great character and integrity.

"Greg has been doing a great job as interim chief and I've worked with him on a number of issues already," Pelle said, mentioning joint investigations and negotiations regarding the housing of municipal prisoners at the county jail as a few areas he has worked with Testa so far. "I know we're going to have a great working relationship in the future. He's a very professional guy. He knows what he's doing."

Testa's calmness was the first thing that popped into the head of Boulder Fire Chief Larry Donner on Monday when discussing what attributes might best benefit him as Boulder's new chief of police.

"I worked with Greg for a number of years in his position as deputy chief and he's as solid as they come," Donner said. "He doesn't get rattled and he's got a steady demeanor. I thing he is going to be a real asset to the community."

Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett also expressed confidence that Testa will be a worthy successor to Beckner. The new chief has already demonstrated his skills as a communicator in working with the DA's office as interim chief, Garnett said, adding the Testa is "highly ethical."

"Testa is just the best kind of cop: A guy who wants to keep the community safe and to be fair," Garnett said.

MacIntyre feels Colorado is capable of making run at bowl gameCU BUFFS FALL CAMPWhen: 29 practices beginning Wednesday morning 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday practices are open to the media and public next week. Full Story

It didn't take long for Denver music observers to notice Plume Varia. Husband and wife Shon and Cherie Cobbs formed the band only two years ago, but after about a year they started finding themselves on best-of lists and playing the scene's top venues. Full Story